Baba Amte to be given state funeral tomorrow

Nagpur, Feb 9 (UNI) Noted social worker Baba Amte, who passed away early today, will be given a state funeral tomorrow.

The funeral will be held at 'Anandwan' Ashram in Chandrapur district in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, where Baba had made his home. His mortal remains will be laid to rest as per his last wishes.

Earlier, Baba's family had declined a state funeral, saying the Magsaysay award winner himself would not have liked it, official sources said.

However, later, the family agreed after government officials pointed out that it was necessary as per protocol, since Baba had been a freedom fighter and was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan award, the sources added.